It is religion and not nationalism, unlike in most parts of the country, which is dominating the political discourse in Punjab.
However, issues of drug abuse, farmers stress and unemployment also have resonance on the ground.
While the Congress is raking up incidents of sacrilege of the holy book of Sikhs that took place in 2015 in its campaign, for the Shiromani Akali Dal, the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and Operation Bluestar are some issues on which it is relying to revive its fortune.
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, in his rallies, has been making a strong case for punishing the culprits for 'beadabi of Guru Granth Sahib' (sacrilege of the holy book of the Sikhs), while suggesting that the Badals are responsible for it.
Countering his allegations, SAD president Sukhbir Badal in his rallies had wished that the Almighty may "wipe out the entire khandan (clan)" of those who are behind the sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib.
He is also critical of the Congress and its leader Sam Pitroda for his controversial "hua to hua" (whatever happened, happened) comment on the 1984 riots.
Many people in the state are more vocal about unemployment, farmers' distress and drugs.
Randhir Singh, a resident of Panniwala Patta in Muktsar district, says, "Sacrilege of the holy book has hurt the sentiments of people and so has Pitroda's comments. But the anger is more for Guru Grant Sahib's beadabi."
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